I’m black, and to me, there is no difference between the two words at all.
If somebody uses the ‘modified’ version, I ask them not to use that anymore when referring to me. It is most certainly not a compliment to me. It’s like being dragged down to slum-dweller levels. Of course, I’m a Old Guy at age 59.
I never could figure why anyone would think that to be a term of endearment. But I am 63 and I remember blacks using that term amongst themselves. Indeed when they did not like another black person they would use the 6 character spelling version, instead of the 5 character spelling version.
Careful-—I’m 61. Have a good one!